ODU's Physician Assistant Studies Program was the first of its kind in Central Ohio. Our program offers exceptional educational training, service opportunities in local communities, and a diversity of rotations within medical organizations around the state.

To maintain program standards with nationally recognized governances, the overall goals and objectives for the Physician Assistant Studies program are based upon the ODU PA Program's Mission Statement, current and future healthcare needs of an ever-changing world and the dynamic requirements of the PA profession.

It is further based upon Curricular Guidelines and Competencies for the PA Profession as well as the NCCPA Code of Conduct as ascribed by the following organizations:

Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of Physician Assistants (ARC-PA)

National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)

These goals and objectives ensure that students in the PA program meet nationally recognized standards and attain knowledge, skills and assessments in order to be successful upon completion of the program.

Specific, measurable objectives are described in each curricular component within course syllabi.

It is expected that the physician assistant student graduating from the ODU PA program will be able to demonstrate the following general goals inherent in the practice of medicine:

1. The Well Qualified Competent Physician Assistant

The Program provides a high quality curriculum that addresses ARC-PA accreditation standards for curriculum content, PANCE Blueprint curriculum content, and current and evidence-based guidelines for quality care.

The Program assesses student competency through assessments and evaluations in order to ensure successful completion of the Program, successful PANCE performance, and successful entry into the PA profession.

The Program monitors the satisfaction of graduate employers and will modify the Program appropriately to maintain high employer satisfaction.

The Program encourages the Team approach to patient care in accordance with curriculum design and clinical rotations.

Show entry-level proficiencies necessary to provide high quality primary care in a rapidly changing health care system

2. The Holistic Physician Assistant

The Program provides policies and curriculum content that identify, develop and reinforce compassion in applicants, students, and graduates.

The Program emphasizes patient-centered care.

The Program provides curriculum content, service opportunities, and clinical experiences that address the care of diverse and vulnerable populations.

The Program encourages participation in community service through faculty mentorship and example.

3. The Professional Physician Assistant

The Program monitors and promotes professional behaviors during didactic and clinical years.

Demonstrate attitudes and skills which show a commitment to professional behavior along with respect for self and others.

ODU's master’s program in Physician Assistant Studies promotes the Roman Catholic moral teaching on the transcendent and inherent dignity of the human person.

The University’s faculty, staff, and students work to guard that dignity through their respect for human life from conception to natural death and by their assurance of the right to freedom of conscience for each person involved in the Physician Assistant Studies program.